Some Pickering councillors apparently don't understand that the RNUP is "urban" and already crossed by several of the busiest CN/CP rail lines in Canada, carrying all Montréal-Toronto freight/VIA Rail trains, as well as GO trains. The RNUP does not own land occupied by existing "public infrastructure" such as communications and power substations, plus hydro, and rail and road corridors. Pickering councillors are apparently unaware that the RNUP Act specifically allows up to 200 hectares (494 acres) of parkland to be used for future "public utilities or transportation corridors." The Park has been planned to accommodate transportation growth, including any high speed rail corridor, yet some councillors used the Park (and potential future airport) as reasons to shoot down a sensible gateway proposalDurhamRegion.com

Amendments to the Rouge National Urban Park became law on June 19, 2017. The changes ensure that "ecological integrity" principles are applied to the natural habitat areas but don't "prevent the carrying out of agricultural activities" on the Park’s farmlands. Management continues to work with the farmers and other agricultural experts to figure out how to achieve the goal of more sustainable and diversified farming as specified in the Park's draft management plan.CNW Newswire

On the 45th anniversary of the Pickering airport announcement, we explain to an audience of 30,000 international readers why the airport should never be built and why the food hub alternative is right for this century. We were invited to contribute the article after we commented on an earlier article by York U. professor Fred Lazar, who also said the airport shouldn't be built. International Airport Review